TVFOA News
AHSAA State Football Championships
AHSAA public and private schools have been separated and will play in their own classifications, divisions, and brackets with regards to the regular season and post season playoffs. This has required a change in the State Championship format which is now a 5 day Championship, with the 2026 games being played at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama in Mobile from Tuesday, Dec 1st - Saturday, Dec 5th.
2026 NFHS FOOTBALL RULES CHANGES
-
Prohibition on Slapping the Head: The ban on slapping an opponent's head has been expanded to apply to all players, on both offense and defense. Previously, Rule 9-4-7 only prohibited defensive players from slapping a blocker's head.
-
Expanded Play Card Placement: Quarterbacks and other players are now permitted to wear play cards on their belts, in addition to the previously approved options of wearing them on their wrists or arms.
-
Mouth Guard Restrictions: Tooth and mouth protectors are now strictly regulated to prevent unnecessary attachments. Guards may not include any attachments that do not actively protect the teeth or mouth, and cannot pose a danger to the player or others on the field.
AHSAA Approves Officials Card for Admission to Post Season Games
The AHSAA Central Board has approved a proposal that allows officials to attend any post season contest in the sport they are registered as an official. Therefore, all football officials, when not assigned, may attend any playoff game, including the Super 7, by entering at the pass gate with your official’s card. It does not allow you to bring a guest. Violation of this policy will carry AHSAA suspension.